| Forty-four new fall shows on five networks, that's why September is still the most wonderful time of the year. Ever since I was a kid, I always loved when the new shows arrived. Of course, there were those we said goodbye to in May...now we can stay with them forever on DVD. Forty-four new worlds to explore (ok, forty-three with Private Practice in the same world as Grey's Anatomy). It's why I love television even more than the movies. You get to immerse yourself in those worlds week after week after week. (The current midseason slate adds 16 additional shows, not including ones that haven't been announced. Midseason shows are only shown on Netgrids.)
Quite a few things failed last year. Split seasons, for one. ABC got smacked hard by splitting the season of Lost. CBS cancelled Jericho for much of the same reason...before they brought it back for seven new episodes. Even NBC saw Heroes get its ratings tweaked after a midseason vacation. English-language telenovelas? Yeah, no one else watched either.
Of the 25 new shows from 2006-2007, 11 are back. A great batting average, not the best TV Hit average. I'd say of those 11, only two, Heroes and Ugly Betty are bonafide hits, with Brothers & Sisters close. Here's to beating the sophomore slump.
This year, of those forty-four new shows, 10 are reality (or actual real and news-based), nine are sitcoms and the rest are dramas. The sitcom is dead. Long live the sitcom. It's cyclical and always will be. The networks should be using this season to fully embrace online distribution and gradually alter their business model (ahem, NBC. Make up with Apple). Adapt or die, it's not a joke. What happened to those big radio networks when a new technology came out? When was the last time you tuned into the Mutual Broadcasting Network? I thought so. The old business model of the network is fading, but it can still work provided other avenues are embraced.
Cheers. You might have seen it. You might not have if NBC hadn't been in such terrible shape back in 1982. They let it build an audience. You should do your part as well. If you're in the industry, bear with me a moment. Pilots (the first episode of a new series) tend to be different than subsequent episodes. There are a variety of reasons for this including sets, budgets and even actors. The networks should be giving programs a chance to find an audience. Stop this one and out stuff. Same goes for you, the viewer. Do not quit on a show you think you might like after just the pilot episode. Give it three chances. That's usually how long it takes for the writers/directors, etc., to find the voice/style of the show. It's a two-way street, but networks, seriously, let people have time to find the shows and watch them. You did after all spend a record amount on pilots this year.
Like last year, nothing has really bitten me. Nothing's actually bitten anyone since the general buzz is how there really isn't any buzz about any specific show. I'm looking forward to Chuck, Private Practice and Bionic Woman (and The Return of Jezebel James in midseason).
My terms here are all relative, especially since each network has their own criteria for declaring something a hit. I feel Pushing Daisies and Chuck are going to be the quirky hits of the year. Yes, I know it's easy to predict that Private Practice is going to be the numbers winner of the year, but, take a look at the draft. What do you think will draw more viewers?
I don't wish the First To Die award on anyone, but after careful consideration, I predict NBC's Life will be the winner (loser?). That's not saying a show that actually begins later won't leave us having aired fewer episodes. Network.com showings don't count if production has stopped.
I'm looking forward to this season. The slate isn't that horrible this year, just nothing is screaming breakout. I think that's good. Keep the bar low and vault right over it.
(By the way, I'm also aware that this preview only covers broadcast television. That obviously means no HBO, Showtime, F/X, USA, etc. It's a choice I have to make based on the amount of time I have to assemble this.)
Pack away your VCR, buy a DVR (preferably TiVo), grab a PBR (ok, I'm kidding) and enjoy the season. As always, I love to discuss this stuff, so drop a line or eleven.
And for bookkeeping, each Nielsen ratings point you'll see this year represents 1.127 mil1ion TV homes (1% of the 112.7 million), up slightly from last year's 111.3 million TV homes.
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| Jay Rubin
Los Angeles
September '07 |
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